With the three game sweep at the hands of the Milwaukee Brewers over the weekend, the Cleveland Indians have dropped to 31-37, 14 games behind the Tigers for the AL Central Division lead, and 12-1/2 behind the White Sox for the Wild Card. It would take a remarkable hot streak by the Tribe to climb back into serious contention for a post-season berth. I’m not advocating gutting the club like the front office did in 2002, but it would be appropriate to get the team ready for 2007 right now.
Aaron Boone has hit for a much better average this year (.266) than he was hitting last year, but he is not a productive player. His on base percentage is just .323, and his slugging percentage is below .400 as well. At 33, he is simply not going to get better. So, it’s time to bring up Andy Marte to play the hot corner. Marte is on a tear at Buffalo, and the time he will get this season will help him when he is the regular in 2007. This was the same scenario the club used for Grady Sizemore in 2004.
The same is true with 2B Ronnie Belliard. Belliard’s extra base pop has disappeared this season, and since he is not signed for next year, GM Mark Shapiro should gauge if there is interest in the veteran. Rumors have the Mets and Blue Jays as possible trade partners. This is a tricky spot for the Tribe since they have no heir apparent like Marte at 2B.
It’s also time to bring up Kelly Shoppach and catch him at least once a week. Victor Martinez needs more rest than the team is giving him, and many (including us) think he should be playing first base next season. The team has to find out if Shoppach can be a regular at the big league level. They know if can do it at Class AAA.
The first move in the pitching staff would be to end their ridiculous obsession with Jason Johnson. If they don’t want to bring up Jeremy Sowers (1.27 ERA at Buffalo), then start Jeremy Guthrie, who has pitched exactly 0 innings since being recalled a week ago. In fact, I’d have Guthrie warming up at the first sign of trouble for Johnson against the Cubs tonight.
Lastly, I would see if any contenders are interested in Bob Wickman, and let Fausto Carmona try closing. First, Wickman is really an average closer. Secondly, teams like the Red Sox give opportunities to youngsters as closers, so why shouldn’t the Tribe.
The primary players are still there for the Tribe to make a run next season. The foundation of this team are guys like Hafner, Martinez, Sizemore, Sabathia, Lee, Peralta, and I think even a Paul Byrd and Jason Michaels can be contributors on a very good team. I’m also not saying the Tribe should tank games. Keep pressing. Get over .500. Win 85 games. Build the foundation for next season. Climbing over the Tigers and White Sox is too tough a task for this edition of the Indians.
MW
Cleveland Sports Perspective 